Panic in Tehran as Israel–Iran war enters next phase: Trump eyes U.S. response amid rising global fears
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Why are thousands of Iranians fleeing Tehran right now?
How is Trump responding to the Israel–Iran crisis?
How is Israel's attack affecting Iran's leadership and security?
Is public anger in Iran now focused more on Israel than on their own government?
What's the global fallout from the Israel–Iran conflict?
Could this war push Iran's economy to the brink of collapse?
What does this mean for the future of Iran's leadership?
What happens next for the people of Iran?
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As Tehran braces for war, thousands of residents are now fleeing the Iranian capital in search of safety, fearing more Israeli military strikes. Since Friday, Israel has launched what many describe as Iran's worst military assault since the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, with attacks targeting top officials and major locations. With the economy already in crisis and leadership under severe pressure, uncertainty looms large over Iran's future.U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing a potential military response as the situation threatens to engulf the region and disrupt global markets. With oil prices spiking and world leaders watching closely, the Israel–Iran war has become a crisis that could shape international politics for years to come.Tehran, one of the world's largest and most densely populated cities, is witnessing visible signs of panic. According to multiple reports, long lines have formed outside gas stations, supermarkets, and pharmacies. Residents fear an Israeli airstrike or a regional escalation involving the United States.This fear isn't unfounded. On June 17, Israel reportedly expanded its air operations, targeting key military installations inside Iran. Although Iran's defense systems intercepted some of the strikes, others caused localized damage and sparked widespread fear among civilians.Iranian authorities have placed Tehran and other major cities on high alert. Government buildings and military zones have been fortified, while emergency sirens and blackout drills are being run at night.The fear in Tehran is palpable. On Tuesday, 35-year-old Neda joined a traffic-choked highway heading out of the city. Her goal: to escape potential Israeli airstrikes targeting military and government sites.'It all started with explosions,' Neda shared through a social media chat from northern Tehran. 'I taped my windows and packed an emergency bag. Then I left.'Tehran, a city of around 10 million people, is now gripped by fear, confusion, and despair. As Israel ramps up its assault—reportedly killing 224 Iranians, most of them civilians, according to Iranian authorities—residents are bracing for more.President Donald Trump is currently reviewing military options, according to sources close to the administration. This includes deploying naval and air support in the Persian Gulf and enhancing the U.S. military presence in Iraq and Kuwait. As of June 18, the Pentagon has not confirmed direct military involvement, but intelligence officials suggest preparations are underway for possible intervention if the situation deteriorates further.Trump, who recently returned from a G7 summit in Italy, told reporters, 'The United States stands with Israel and will respond appropriately to any threat against our allies.'His national security team, including Defense Secretary Tom Cotton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have reportedly been in continuous contact with Israeli defense leaders since the strikes began last week.The Israeli offensive has exposed deep cracks in Iran's intelligence and defense operations. Multiple high-ranking Iranian military and intelligence officials have been targeted or killed in recent strikes, and that's raising tough questions inside the country.Cyrus Razzaghi, CEO of Tehran-based consultancy Ara Enterprise, says internal changes are inevitable. 'Even if the regime survives, reforms—especially within the intelligence sector—are unavoidable,' he told Bloomberg. 'This war will change the Islamic Republic.'President Netanyahu has made it clear that his military objectives go beyond Iran's nuclear sites. He aims to directly hit the core of the Islamic Republic's power structure—a message he's taken straight to the Iranian public, urging them to rise against their rulers.Yes—and no. While dissatisfaction with the ruling regime is high and ongoing, Israel's recent attacks have shifted much of the immediate public anger.'My hatred for Netanyahu is growing,' said Neda. 'He's fueling all of this chaos. We were already suffering.'The sentiment is echoed by Nazanin, a 55-year-old finance officer from northern Tehran. Her apartment complex, located near the now-destroyed home of Ali Shamkhani, a senior aide to Supreme Leader Khamenei, was recently hit by an Israeli strike.'I've never supported the Islamic Republic,' she said, 'but now I feel the same hatred for both Netanyahu and the regime. I'm just tired.'The impact of the Israel–Iran war is already being felt far beyond the Middle East. On June 18, global oil prices surged by over, reachingfor Brent crude—the highest since early 2022. Markets across Asia and Europe dipped amid fears of prolonged instability in the region.Airlines have rerouted dozens of international flights to avoid Iranian and Israeli airspace. Lufthansa, Emirates, and Air India all confirmed cancellations or diversions. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency session to discuss the growing crisis.Russia and China have called for restraint, with Chinese President Xi Jinping urging all sides to 'avoid actions that could spark a larger regional war.' The U.S., however, continues to emphasize its 'unshakable' support for Israel, especially following Iran's alleged involvement in an earlier drone attack that damaged Israeli defense assets.Iran's economy, already in crisis due to years of U.S. sanctions, oil dependency, and mismanagement, is now spiraling.According to Bloomberg, a joint Israeli and Western intelligence assessment warns that if the war continues, inflation in Iran could skyrocket to 80% or higher. That could spark widespread unrest.Currently, the inflation rate in Iran sits around 43%, one of the highest globally (IMF data). The Iranian rial has already dropped over 10% in value on the black market since Friday, as reported by Bonbast.com.Iran's national budget is also heavily strained. According to IMF estimates, Iran needs oil prices at $163 per barrel to balance its finances. With current oil prices hovering around $75, this shortfall only deepens the crisis.The outcome of this conflict could reshape Iran's leadership, but not necessarily in the way many expect. Experts believe that if Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei were removed or weakened, younger and more hardline figures could take his place.Dina Esfandiary, a Middle East analyst at Bloomberg Economics, warns that targeting Khamenei might actually fuel nationalism and provoke even more aggressive posturing from Iran's next generation of leaders.For now, the leadership remains unshaken publicly. Iranian state media even praised a news anchor for continuing to broadcast through bombing raids, showcasing the state's desire to project strength.For many ordinary Iranians, the situation is about basic survival. They're packing up, leaving homes behind, and trying to navigate a conflict they had no say in. The psychological toll is mounting as fast as the economic one.'This is no longer just about politics or ideology,' said Nazanin from her temporary refuge outside Tehran. 'It's about staying alive. It feels like a real war now—and no one knows how or when it will end.'As Tehran faces its most volatile moment in decades, the uncertainty is suffocating. Whether or not the regime survives this military and economic storm, Iran will not emerge unchanged. With a collapsing economy, rising nationalist fervor, and a deeply divided society, the path ahead looks difficult—and dangerously unpredictable.Tehran residents fear more Israeli strikes, so many are escaping to safer rural areas.Inflation is already at 43% and could rise to 80%, pushing Iran toward economic collapse.
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